How Can I Get Rid of Lizards on My Porch?
With nearly 5,000 species worldwide, you’ve likely seen your fair share of lizards. Here in Alabama, there are 17 species of lizards, 13 of which are native to the state.
Lizards are fascinating reptiles, and many people keep them as pets. However, even if you appreciate these scaly reptiles as we do, we understand that you may want to keep them off your property—or at least reduce their abundant presence.
If you want to learn more about lizards and how to keep them off your property humanely and harmlessly, just keep reading!
Reasons to Love Lizards
You likely are here because you’re asking, “How can I get rid of lizards on my porch?”. All of our answers to this question will involve humane, harmless strategies because we think lizards are lovable; here are three reasons why:
#1: We Appreciate Their Value in Nature
Lizards play essential roles in natural ecosystems. They are part of the food chain, predators and control agents for bugs, and prey for larger carnivores and omnivores (e.g., birds, opossums, foxes, and cats).
Every food chain member has a purpose in their wild habitat, and lizards are no exception.
#2: Their Role in Disease Control
Lizards eat tiny bugs like ticks, which are parasitic nuisances and carry many diseases, such as Lyme disease. If your area has a high population of lizards, they’ll control the tick population, minimizing your risk of Lyme disease exposure.
#3: To Prevent Unnecessary Cruelty
There’s no need to harm or kill a harmless creature. Zero species of poisonous lizards live in Alabama, and lizards are unlikely to come near you.
If you’re worried about salmonella…
Let’s get one thing straight: not all lizards carry salmonella. However, let’s say a lizard carrying salmonella crawled onto your porch; as long as you don’t touch it or try to make a wild one your pet, the potential risk of contracting salmonella is almost zero percent.
If we haven’t assured you that the lizard you’ve seen on your property isn’t leaving behind a detectable trace of salmonella:
- Put on some gloves
- Clean those porch areas or any outdoor patio furnishings where the lizard ran across with antibacterial cleaner.
- Avoid touching your face until you wash your hands with hot water and antibacterial soap.
If you are concerned enough to take these precautions (or even if you aren’t), you’ll be just fine.
How Can I Get Rid of Lizards on My Porch?
Whether reptiles repulse you or there are simply too many lizards on your property, let’s discuss the best and most humane lizard prevention strategies.
Spicy Lizard Deterrent Spray Recipe: If you didn’t know, lizards despise spicy flavors and aromas. If you have cayenne powder, hot peppers, or hot sauce, you have the key ingredients for a lizard deterrent (not a reptilicide).
- Fill a bowl or measuring cup with 2 cups of warm water.
- Add 2-3 tbsp of the spicy substance on hand
- Stir the mixture well, then pour it into an empty spray bottle.
- Spray the spicy concoction wherever lizards grace your property—just do not spray it on plants. If lizards get on your potted plants, spray around the pot’s base, avoiding soil and the plant itself.
Plants That Lizards Avoid: If you’re not too keen on the hot sauce idea, plant one or more of the many natural lizard-deterring plants (e.g., pencil trees, peppermint, and eucalyptus).
Avoid These Common “Strategies”: For years, many strategies for lizard deterrents have circulated by word-of-mouth and online that are nothing more than mere hoaxes or are minimally effective. Two prominent ones to watch out for include baking soda and eggshells. Contrarily, eggshells may attract lizards or other unwanted guests who see them as a delicious treat).
Keeping Alabama Homes Pest-Free Since 1965
At Vulcan Termite and Pest Control in Birmingham, AL, we serve residential and commercial clients to implement effective pest prevention solutions and exterminate insects and small rodents.
Generally, we don’t capture large or exotic wild animals like lizards as a typical “animal control” agent would. Still, we aim to provide our clients with exceptional service, so we continually educate ourselves on topics about all kinds of creatures in Alabama—not just those we handle. We do this to prepare for any questions or concerns and supply helpful information on strategies anyone can implement at home or in the office.
We have proudly served Alabama families since 1965. Whether you need pest control or expert advice for any kind of animal trespassing on your property, we’re glad to help protect you and your family with our effective solutions! Call us at 205-663-4200 or contact us online to learn more.
Thanks for reading! Check out our pest blog to learn more about the pests and other creatures found in Alabama.